NICOSIA (Reuters) - Cyprus will distribute thousands of free energy saving lightbulbs to households to knock down its energy consumption by the end of the decade, officials said on Tuesday.

"It is part of a five year plan aiming at an energy conservation of 1.0 percent yearly on energy consumption and reaching a total of 5.0 percent until the end of 2010," Cypriot Commerce and Industry Minister Antonis Michaelides said.

The project is costing 1.88 million Cyprus pounds ($4.4 million).

"Consumers can save up to 70 percent of electricity for lighting purposes with the use of energy saving bulbs," said John Lefas from the Cyprus Electricity Authority, which will distribute the lamps.

About 19 percent of an average household bill comes from lighting, officials said.

Solon Kassinis, head of Cyprus's energy service, said islanders needed to become more energy conscious. "Cyprus comes first Europe-wide in the use of household irons. Cypriots even iron their underwear."